China’s Kyle Anderson in the Fiba World Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum. –Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic offered a kind assessment of fellow NBA standout Kyle Anderson’s debut with China in the Fiba World Cup, saying the Minnesota Timberwolves ace just needs to adjust to the international game.
On Monday, Anderson seemed to have done just that, coming out huge with an effort that however went to waste after an 89-69 defeat to South Sudan at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“It’s tough to tell with one game. I obviously struggled against the Serbian team and it’s a different game in the NBA so I had to figure out how to be effective in this game so we’ll see against Puerto Rico,” said Anderson, who now goes by Li Kai-Er for China.
Anderson had a forgettable outing against Serbia, which ended in a 105-63 defeat for China.
“The physicality, spacing and calls you get in the NBA, you don’t get here in Fiba. It’s just a different game. The court is much smaller, not much room out there so it’s just a different game,” said Anderson, who was scoreless against Serbia in 25 minutes of action.
Against South Sudan, Anderson finished with 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals in a losing effort for the Chinese.
Anderson also bared that it was hard to play against teams in Fiba, considering that most of them have been playing for the country since they were 16 years old or younger.
“You’re also playing against teams who have been together since 16 and under or so. NBA players are in dangerous waters in this game. It’s not our style of play but I still have to find a way to be effective and try to get the win.”
Anderson and the Chinese look to notch a win in Group B’s pool play when they face the Puerto Ricans on Wednesday at the same venue.